Let’s be real. Writer’s block isn’t just some cute little creative hiccup—it can feel like a full-on mental traffic jam with no detour in sight. You’re staring at the screen, your fingers hovering over the keyboard waiting for your brain to encounter some type of revelation, and suddenly you’re questioning your whole existence as a writer. (Been there. Done that.)
“But here’s the good news: your creativity didn’t pack up and leave—it’s just waiting for a little shake-up.”
So in true Bannerman style, I’m sharing my go-to, get-out-of-the-rut tips to reignite those creative flames and get your words flowing again. These aren’t your typical “light a candle and meditate” suggestions either (although hey, if that works for you—do it!). These are fun, energizing, and totally doable.
- Change the Scenery, Change the Vibe
Sometimes all you need is a change of view. Seriously. I’ll grab my laptop and head to a different room, sit out on the porch, book a night at a hotel, or hit the beach for some salty-air inspiration. New environments = new energy.
Even a coffee shop with a low buzz of background chatter can spark something. Just pack your notebook and go on a little writing field trip. Your characters might just follow you.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget earbuds and snacks. Creativity doesn’t work well when you’re hangry.
- Write Something Totally Ridiculous
When the words won’t come for your serious story, it’s time to go full-on silly. Write a limerick about your cat. Pen a haiku about coffee. Make up a love song between a squirrel and a lawn gnome.
Why? Because creative writing is about freedom. Writing something absurd shakes off the pressure to be “perfect” and just reminds you how fun this whole thing can be.
Pro Tip: Be sure to save your favorite silly pieces—you never know what might inspire a new character or children’s book.
- Draw It Out
Can’t write the scene? Draw it! I like to doodle my characters, sketch a floor plan of the setting, or hop onto a stock photo site and search for images that match my vibe. You’d be amazed how visualizing your scene brings it to life.
And don’t worry if your stick figures are tragic (mine are too). The point is to see your story in a new light—literally.
Pro Tip: Create a Pinterest board for your book. It’s like vision boarding for writers.
- Cast Your Story Like a Movie
This is one of my favorite ways to breathe life into a stuck story. I imagine my book idea as a movie and start casting the roles. Who’s the lead? Who plays the quirky best friend or the brooding villain?
Not only does this help clarify your characters, but it adds a layer of excitement and realism. Suddenly, you’re not writing words—you’re directing scenes.
Pro Tip: Bonus points if you imagine the soundtrack too!
- Talk It Out with a Trusted Human (or Yourself)
Sometimes your brain just needs to hear the story out loud. I’ll call up a friend, fellow author, or one of my sounding boards and start explaining what I’m stuck on. Nine times out of ten, just saying it out loud unlocks a solution.
And if no one’s available? I talk to myself. Yup, full conversations. I even record voice notes and play them back. It’s weird—but it works.
Pro Tip: And keep those voice notes organized! You never know when a brilliant off-the-cuff idea will be GOLD.
- Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Sometimes writer’s block is just your brain’s way of saying, “Dude, we’re tired.” And that’s okay. Step away. Go for a walk. Watch a show. Bake cookies. Refuel your creative tank with joy.
Then come back to the page with fresh eyes and full energy. Writing isn’t about grinding every second—it’s about flowing when the time is right.
The Ultimate Conclusion
You’re not broken. You’re not blocked. You’re just in a brief pause—not a full stop.
Keep these tips in your writer’s toolkit and pull one out whenever the blank page starts giving you attitude.
You’ve got stories to tell, and I’m cheering you on every sentence of the way! Until next time…
About the Author
Cheryl Bannerman is a prolific and versatile author with a portfolio of ten published works across various genres including mystery novels and a children’s book. In 2018, she received the prestigious 2018 Book Excellence Award for her poetry collection, Words Never Spoken. In 2020, Bannerman’s book, Black Child to Black Woman: An African-American Woman Coming-of-Age Story, garnered acclaim, winning the Best Books Award in African American fiction and the Reader’s Favorite International Book Award Contest in Urban Fiction in 2021.
Readers can connect with Bannerman, purchase signed copies of her books, and subscribe to her newsletter through her website, www.bannermanbooks.com. When she is not writing for her next book, Bannerman is running her 29-year-old virtual B2B Training and Development company based out of her Orlando, Florida home.